LONDON — The Alabama Department of Commerce is leading a state delegation at this week’s DSEI UK 2025 in London, one of the world’s premier defense and security events, to spotlight the state’s advanced defense industry and forge connections with global partners.
The biennial Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference serves as a major platform for showcasing cutting-edge defense capabilities, fostering innovation and identifying business opportunities across global markets.
The 2025 event, themed “Preparing the Future Force,” is expected to draw decision-makers and industry leaders from around the world, aligning with the UK Defense Secretary’s strategic vision for a 2030 integrated force.
Alabama’s delegation will be anchored at Booth S5-270 in the U.S. Pavilion, where Commerce’s Bob Smith, Beau Lore and Christoph Dörr will represent the state alongside Jackson Pruett of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA).
They will join six innovative Alabama companies eager to grow their international defense business footprint. The companies co-exhibiting at the “Made in Alabama” Booth at DSEI 2025 are:
- Archangel Systems (Auburn) — Manufactures high-reliability avionics, including attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS), air data systems and other devices for aviation platforms.
- Invariant Corp. (Huntsville) — Specializes in custom hardware, sensors, software systems and simulation technologies.
- Maximum Technology Corp. (Huntsville) — Provides affordable software engineering, data analytics, and test and evaluation services.
- Polaris Sensor Technologies (Huntsville) — Develops advanced optical systems used in target detection, tracking, navigation, hypersonics and environmental monitoring.
- PTS Expeditionary Communications (Huntsville) — Designs and manufactures power and support equipment for military radio systems.
- Zaden Technologies (Huntsville) — A nontraditional defense contractor offering AI-driven solutions and scalable cloud computing platforms to enhance defense system performance.
“These six companies represent the innovation, expertise and technical depth that define Alabama’s robust defense industry,” said Bob Smith, Commerce’s specialist on aerospace and defense.
“Our presence at DSEI 2025 is an opportunity to demonstrate how Alabama-based firms are helping to solve some of the world’s toughest defense challenges,” he added.
The defense industry is a cornerstone of Alabama’s economy, and it is renowned for its significant contributions to national security. The state hosts key defense resources and activities, particularly in the areas of missile defense, missile and rocket production and cybersecurity.
Just days ago, the Trump Administration announced plans to permanently base Space Command Headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, reinforcing Alabama’s central role in the nation’s space program and its significant contributions in the defense realm.
Global network
In London, the Alabama delegation will get the opportunity to plug into a global defense industry network.
DSEI 2023, the last installment of the exhibition, set new records for attendance and global participation, welcoming more than 1,500 exhibitors, 40,000 attendees, 36 international pavilions and 3,250+ VIPs and delegations from nearly 100 nations.
The United Kingdom is a key U.S. ally in defense cooperation, and its aerospace and defense sectors are among the most advanced in the world. With over 3,000 aerospace companies and more than 282,000 jobs supported across the sector, the UK represents a vital market for Alabama firms seeking international expansion and long-term growth.
The Alabama Department of Commerce’s participation at DSEI 2025 builds on its mission to support homegrown companies in high-value sectors and position the state as a strategic hub for defense and aerospace investment. Read about Alabama’s defense sector.
While at the event, the Alabama team plans to capitalize on networking sessions, briefings and receptions that feature government, military and industry leaders from countries including the U.K, Germany and Australia.
Today, Commerce’s Smith joined representatives from the U.S., Australia and the U.K. in a panel discussion titled “Building the Naval Supply Chain: Shared Lessons, Aligned Action.”
On Wednesday, PJ Menner, an International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce who is based at the U.S. Embassy in London, will be at the Made in Alabama booth to provide insights into the U.K, defense market for U.S. companies.
